Cops: Man attacks sleeping boy, 10, with shovel in Lemont

Carlos SadoviTribune reporter

A 10-year-old boy was attacked as he slept by a 29-year-old man who went into a bedroom and beat him with a fireplace shovel in a home in unincorporated Lemont over the weekend, Cook County sheriff Tom Dartsaid today.

Police were called to the home on the 15100 block of 131st Street at about 1 a.m. Saturday, Dart said.

Police were told that the boy's 36-year-old father heard his son's screams coming from the bedroom and when he went to the room he found Nathan Hiatt, 29, of Lockport striking the boy with the metal shovel, Dart said.

As the father tried to shield the boy from the blows, he was also hit as well, Dart said. The man then left the house through a back door.

The homeowner then awoke to the noise, saw blood and called 911, Dart said. Sheriff's police responded and were given a description of the man, which matched Hiatt's. Police found Hiatt in the yard, under a tree.

Sheriff’s Police detectives learned that the victims and Hiatt attended a get together hosted by the homeowner on Friday afternoon.

Hiatt was arrested and charged Saturday with two counts of felony aggravated battery, Dart said.

Nathan Hiatt’s bond was set at $250,000 during his court appearance on Sunday. As of Monday afternoon, Hiatt remained in custody at Cook County Jail in lieu of posting bail.

The father and son were treated at an area hospital for their injuries and were later released.

Hiatt's next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday at the Bridgeview Courthouse.